TRAIN WRECK
Cheakamus Waterfalls
4 km | 100 m | 1.5 hours
Before the suspension bridge was installed, this stunning section of the river with its incredible waterfalls was easily spotted on the way to Train Wreck. With the installation of the bridge and new access to the wreck site, this has become a hidden gem unseen by most visitors. The Trash trail runs along the Cheakamus river and provides several viewpoints of the falls and other stunning sections of the river. It’s unknown to most and thus a lovely quiet alternative route to Train Wreck.
Park by the Whistler BMX bike park and cross Jane Lakes road to access the trail. It will pop you out just under the suspensions bridge. We tend to return through Bayly Park via the main trail to make it a loop. Alltrails only shows the main trail as an in and out, but you will see Trash trail on the map.
Train Wreck
These box cars were involved in a crash in 1956 speeding from Lillooet to Vancouver. For years it was a mystery as to how these derailed cars ended up placed so far from the tracks without damaging the surrounding trees. In 2013 there was an article written about this “mysterious train wreck” which caused people to come forward and set the record straight.
The crash caused three cars to get jammed in a rock cut blocking the railway line. A logging family who had just moved to the area was asked to use their logging equipment to clear the wreckage. The cars were pulled into the forest where they lie today.
This area of the trail used to be off limits as you needed to walk on the train tracks to access it. Given it’s popularity, a suspension bridge was installed over the Cheakamus River, which is used by local graffiti artists, hikers, trail runners and families alike.
Winter Option
This is a perfect place to bring friends all year round. There isn’t much elevation gain, so you don’t need to worry about slippery hills during the winter months. On those days when you don’t feel like skiing, this is the perfect activity. Depending on how much snow where is, spikes or snowshoes may be recommended.
